Transition Énergétique Juste : Le festival citoyen plaide pour une finance climatique équitable
Le festival citoyen pour la Transition Énergétique Juste s’est tenu à Rufisque du 19 au 21 septembre 2024. Cette initiative a réuni des citoyens, leaders communautaires, artistes et militants engagés pour la justice climatique. Organisé par Teranga Lab en partenariat avec 350.org, cet événement a mis en avant une problématique centrale : comment financer la transition énergétique sans accroître la dette des pays africains ? Ce blog revient sur les moments forts du festival et son plaidoyer en faveur d’une finance climatique plus équitable.
Le défi d’une finance climatique juste
La transition énergétique mondiale demande des financements importants pour promouvoir l’utilisation des énergies renouvelables et réduire la dépendance aux énergies fossiles. Cependant, dans des pays comme le Sénégal, cette transition ne doit pas entraîner une augmentation de la dette.
Le festival a permis de souligner la nécessité d’avoir des mécanismes financiers plus justes, et qui favorisent les subventions et les dons au lieu des prêts qui augmentent la pression sur la dette publique. Le plaidoyer de Teranga Lab vise à garantir que la transition énergétique se fasse dans des conditions économiques viables pour les pays africains.
Le concert climat : un outil de mobilisation
Le concert climat, activité centrale du festival, a servi de plateforme pour relayer ces messages. Des artistes comme Oliblez et Doz’art ont interprété l’hymne du festival "Nous disons Non". Un hymne qui dénonce l’usage excessif des énergies fossiles et les conséquences du réchauffement climatique en Afrique. Ce moment de communion musicale a permis de sensibiliser les citoyens présents aux enjeux liés à la justice climatique et à la transition énergétique.
Découvrez ici l’hymne du festival : https://fb.watch/uRsXsWMLGM/
Le rôle des autorités coutumières et des communautés locales
Les autorités coutumières de Rufisque ont participé au festival. Une délégation de notables lébous (chefferie traditionnelle) a pris part au concert climat et a évoqué l’importance d’inclure les communautés locales dans les décisions sur les projets énergétiques.
Une présence qui a renforcé le plaidoyer et rappelé que les populations locales sont les premières touchées par les impacts des projets énergétiques et doivent donc être consultées et impliquées dans les prises de décision.
Dans cette même tonalité, Alexandre Gubert Lette, directeur exécutif de Teranga Lab, a souligné que la transition énergétique doit être un droit fondamental accessible à tous, et non un privilège. Il a appelé les décideurs à travailler pour que cette transition se fasse sans augmenter la dette des pays africains, en proposant des financements adaptés aux besoins des pays du Sud.
Le Festival Citoyen pour la Transition Énergétique Juste a constitué un espace de plaidoyer et de mobilisation pour dénoncer les injustices liées à la finance climatique. À l’approche des prochaines discussions mondiales sur le climat, notamment lors des futures COP, il est essentiel de porter la voix de l’Afrique sur la scène internationale. Le message du festival est clair : la transition énergétique doit se faire sans alourdir la dette des pays africains. Teranga Lab appelle à poursuivre cette lutte pour un avenir énergétique durable et équitable. Pour soutenir ce mouvement, suivez les initiatives de Teranga Lab et participez aux prochaines actions pour la justice climatique.
Capsule vidéo de résumé du concert climat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTb-dYX7ZM4
Visit to the 25 MW facility located in Benin : A call for decentralized renewable energy solutions
On September 20th, 2024, the renewable energy coalition members in Benin had the opportunity to visit a solar farm that demonstrated the transformative potential of decentralized renewable energy (DRE). In 2022, Benin launched its first large-scale solar power plant, a 25 MW facility located in Pobe, in the southern part of the country. This field trip aimed to provide participants with hands-on experience and a practical understanding of how a solar power plant operates, gather information to support solution campaigns, and build valuable relationships.
As we walked through the rows of solar panels, the farm showcased a future where energy is clean, accessible, and community-driven. This visit wasn’t just about observing technology—it was about understanding how DRE can power a just energy transition, particularly for regions underserved by centralized grids.
The importance of decentralizing energy sources cannot be overstated. With communities in rural and remote areas often left behind by national grids, decentralized renewable energy offers an efficient solution to provide power where it's needed most. Unlike large-scale, centralized systems that can be costly and slow to deploy, decentralized systems—like solar farms and mini-grids—are flexible, scalable, and sustainable.
During the visit, it became clear that decision-makers must prioritize DRE in national energy strategies. By investing in smaller, community-centered projects, we not only bring power to the people but also contribute to local job creation, resilience, and energy independence. The environmental benefits are just as compelling, as decentralized systems help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut emissions.
The solar farm we visited is a prime example of what’s possible when we shift focus toward decentralized renewable energy. Now, the next step is for policymakers to champion this approach, ensuring that DRE powers Afrika and becomes a priority in building a greener, more equitable future for all.
Assemblée Annuelle de REC: appel à une plus grande ambition sur les énergies renouvelables
Le 27 septembre 2024, à Lomé au Togo, s'est tenu la rencontre annuelle d’évaluation des activités réalisées par les membres de la coalition sur les énergies renouvelable (REC en anglais), et la projection sur les perspectives futures. La rencontre a mobilisé environs trente (30) participants délégués par les organisations de la société civile, deux (2) représentants du secteur privé et un (1) membre du gouvernement togolais, représentant le ministère de l’énergie.
Après une série d’allocutions d’ouverture, les participants ont été sensibilisé sur l’inépuisable potentiel en énergie renouvelable en Afrique, ensuite formés à l’utilisation de l’outil “Our Own Power” dans leurs actions de sensibilisation et de plaidoyer, ainsi qu’à l’utilisation de certaines ressources contenues dans cet outil pour évaluer les projets d’énergies renouvelables. Nous avons aussi assisté à deux autres présentations thématiques respectivement sur les bio digesteurs en zones urbaines et la création de contenus digitaux pour sensibiliser et inspirer.
Par ailleurs, les rapports d’activités ont été présentés par les délégués (Bénin et Togo), suivis de débat sur les difficultés rencontrées notamment liées au manque de ressources financières pour mettre à grande échelle les initiatives telles que: Solar4School et MumSolar.
Pour finir, quatre (4) groupes ont réfléchi et fait des propositions à la rencontre pour identifier des actions à mener sur les six prochains mois. Il ressort les recommandations suivantes:
- la poursuite de plaidoyer avec les décideurs politiques pour supprimer les barrières au développement communautaires des énergies renouvelables
- la poursuite des sensibilisations sur les avantages des énergies renouvelables en insistant sur les chiffres en matière de création d’emplois pour la jeunesse
- organisation des séances de projections publiques de films et documentaires sur les projets d’énergies renouvelables qui ont marché ailleurs
- partenariat avec le secteur privé dans le secteur des énergies renouvelables pour la distribution des kits solaires en milieux ruraux.
La rencontre a pris fin sur une note de satisfaction des participants et un engagement renouvelé des acteurs à poursuivre leurs efforts pour une transition vers une énergie 100% renouvelable au Togo et au Bénin.
REPower Afrika, REPower Nigeria: The Urgency of Climate Action in Africa
Africa, a continent rich in resources and cultural heritage, finds itself at the epicenter of the climate crisis. Despite being responsible for only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is experiencing the impacts of climate change more acutely than many other regions. The continent is warming at a rate faster than the global average, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in economies, infrastructure, water and food systems, public health, agriculture, and livelihoods. This disparity highlights a critical need for urgent adaptation measures to protect the modest development gains made over the past decades and to secure a sustainable future for its people.
In response to this urgent need for change in Africa, 350 Africa launched the REPower AFRIKA Campaign. This campaign marks the start of a pan-African renewable energy movement. REPower Afrika is a campaign led by African civil society, emphasizing equitable access to renewable energy at the heart of our movement. The Solar Africa Campaign aims to connect regional community renewable projects, urging financiers and governments to prioritize and increase investments in affordable and clean energy for all, particularly for communities at the forefront of the crisis.The lack of electricity has been a significant barrier to economic development in Nigeria, leading to poverty and hardship. This further led to the launch of REPower NIGERIA, reiterating the need for Nigeria to transit to a country powered by renewable energy.
Consequently, on the beautiful morning of Saturday, 20th July, 2024, 130 enthusiastic climate activists, stormed the streets of Nigeria’s capital city in unique fashion to register their demands for the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan. In a solidarity march for energy transition in Nigeria organised by Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), the group of young climate activists moved with placards with strong calls for a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy in Nigeria
The call for renewable energy represents a pathway to a healthy and sustainable planet for future generations and a viable solution to mitigate climate change. If we can implement the right policies, we are poised to make dramatic changes toward a cleaner energy future.
Join us in this movement for a sustainable future!
Building Resistance Movement against the EACOP project in Tanzania
By Baraka .D. Machumu for Green Conservers Tanzania
In the sun-drenched expanses of Tanzania, the land hums with a rhythm known only to its people. For generations, this land has been the lifeblood of its communities, providing sustenance, culture, and a profound connection to nature. However, the proposed East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) threatens to disrupt this harmony, sparking a movement that intertwines tradition and activism. In the past six months, our Stop EACOP campaign has grown in leaps and bounds, driven by the unwavering support of the 350 grants fund and the relentless spirit of the communities affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
Green Conservers, a youth organization that advocates environmental and climate justice, joined forces with the local community members to build a resistance movement. Over six months, they engaged 246 community members, including 115 women and 27 indigenous people, each bringing unique perspectives and invaluable knowledge. Our journey, marked by collaboration, empowerment, and advocacy, has significantly heightened awareness and galvanized action against the environmental and social injustices posed by the EACOP project. Together, they forged a collective voice, powerful enough to echo across the valleys and reach the corridors of power.
Engaging Media and Influencers
With the 350 organization's support, we launched a comprehensive media engagement strategy, partnering with media houses and social media influencers to amplify our message. This strategy was crucial in reaching a wider audience, informing the public about the environmental injustices tied to the EACOP project, and rallying support for our cause.
- 11 Communities were visited to collect the stories and more than 30 people were interviewed
- 11 Stories were published in Newspapers, 1 TV and 7 radio sessions conducted
- 25 Young people trained in digital advocacy and activism
- More than 3 million reached both Green conservers and young activists handles
- 3 social media influencers were engaged online and offline
Empowering Communities
The Fund enabled us to empower and mobilize communities across eight regions in Tanzania affected by the EACOP project. Through targeted outreach and empowerment programs, we provided these communities with platforms to voice their concerns and demand accountability. Our advocacy efforts culminated in organizing five peaceful protests and eleven community visits, where 246 community members, including 115 women, 107 youth, and marginalized individuals, shared their experiences and voiced their concerns.
Voices of Women and Marginalized Groups
A cornerstone of our campaign has been the inclusion of 115 women and marginalized groups, who are disproportionately affected by the EACOP project. The Fund facilitated targeted outreach programs that ensured their meaningful participation in advocacy efforts. By amplifying their voices, we not only highlighted the gender-specific impacts of the project but also advanced gender equality and social inclusion in our advocacy work.
Building a Broader Movement
Collaboration has been at the heart of our strategy. The Fund enabled us to strengthen ties with like-minded organizations, advocacy groups, young people, and civil society partners. This collective effort has increased our impact, creating a powerful movement for environmental justice and sustainable development. By uniting with other stakeholders, we have amplified our advocacy efforts, drawing greater attention to the plight of the affected communities. Also using social media was a great achievement for our movement.
Strengthening Organizational Capacity
To sustain and enhance our advocacy efforts, we invested in strengthening our organizational capacity. The Fund facilitated training workshops and capacity-building initiatives, equipping our team with essential skills in advocacy, community mobilization, and media engagement. These initiatives have been instrumental in empowering us to effectively advocate for environmental justice.
Amplifying Community Voices
Our advocacy efforts have led to heightened community involvement and awareness about the EACOP project's impacts. Through peaceful marches, demonstrations, and community forums, we provided platforms for community members to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and demand accountability from decision-makers. These events were not just about protest but about creating a space for dialogue and empowering communities to take a stand for their rights.
A Journey of Empowerment and Resilience
From December 2023 to May 2024, our journey has been one of empowerment, resilience, and unwavering determination. The Fund has been instrumental in driving positive changes and outcomes in our advocacy work against the EACOP project. We have seen greater awareness, empowerment, and resilience within affected communities and beyond.
The fight against the EACOP project is far from over, but with the continued support of the Fund and the collective strength of the communities, advocacy groups, and civil society partners, we are confident that we can drive meaningful change. Together, we will continue to amplify voices, demand accountability, and work towards a future of environmental justice and sustainable development.
Letsatsi Solar Farm visit in Bloemfontein
Nu Climate Vision alongside 350 Africa visited Letsatsi Solar Farm in Bloemfontein, on 19 July 2024. The purpose of the visit was to understand the technology behind solar,as a form of renewable energy, to build solidarity between the attending community based groups and also to have informed positions in regards to advocating for renewables.
The first part of the visit dwelled on the general safety protocols presentation from the Health and Safety Personnel Of the farm.This was followed by a powerpoint presentation by the company representatives in regards to the company’s ownership ,staff composition and leadership.
The presentation also took the attendees through reasonably simplified content of the technical aspects of the solar farm. This included content around (but not limited to) solar modules, solar strings, transformers,substations and transmission.
After a thorough question session between our team and the company representative, we were taken around the solar farm for a tour of the actual plant. A lot of information was shared , including how the efficiency of the solar panels are measured, managed and maintained. During the tour there was also mention of the relational impacts on Eskom (Power purchaser) and the solar farm (Power supplier) and the performance requirements and implications of the purchaser.
The last leg of the tour consisted of a walkaround to the operations room where the technician assessed the farm’s functionality and errors in production of the energy. This gave participants a clear understanding of how the solar farm worked; from production all the way to the end user.
This is sadly one of the oldest solar farms in South Africa referred to as Phase one, having been developed in 2013 and operations starting in 2014. This means the farm only runs during the day as it has no batteries and lastly the energy produced cannot be used, as it is all sold to the national power supplier Eskom.The staff also made the participants aware that there are new plants being built in South Africa which are more effective and sustainable than Letsatsi given the progress of technology over the last 10 years.These new farms as stated by the staff at Letsatsi have their own substation and can use the power they generate while also producing for national grid and lastly they produce all day as they have batteries too.
We want to thank the staff and management of Letsatsi Solar Farm and we look forward to a fruitful and educational relationship between them and our groups for future tours and induction visits.
By Brighton Phiri
Informer et sensibiliser sur l’adoption des énergies renouvelables, c’est donner le pouvoir aux femmes rurales
25 et 26 Juin 2024 à Landa, dans la région de Kara, les équipes de l’ONG Jeunes Vert et Renewable Energy Coalition Togo ont organisé une formation sur les énergies renouvelables à l’endroit d’une trentaine de participants incluant une dizaine de responsables de groupements de femmes.
Au cours de cette formation, les participants ont été sensibilisés aux impacts négatifs des énergies fossiles sur la santé et l'environnement, et ont appris les avantages des énergies renouvelables telles que l'énergie solaire, éolienne et hydraulique. Les travaux de groupes ont permis d'identifier les défis énergétiques locaux et de formuler des recommandations concrètes, telles que la réduction du coût des panneaux solaires, l'expansion du réseau électrique, la promotion du reboisement, et la sensibilisation accrue de la population aux bénéfices des énergies renouvelables.
Les résultats obtenus incluent une meilleure compréhension des avantages des énergies renouvelables et l'élaboration de plans d'action pour leur adoption. Les participants ont également formulé des recommandations clés pour les autorités, notamment :
- La réduction des coûts des énergies renouvelables et l'amélioration de leur accessibilité ;
- L'extension du réseau électrique pour desservir davantage de foyers ;
- L'encouragement des Partenaires Techniques et Financiers à investir dans les énergies renouvelables ;
- La promotion du reboisement et des formations sur les foyers améliorés et le charbon écologique.
À la fin de la formation, le chef canton de Landa, M. Wella Hèyou, a exprimé sa gratitude envers les organisateurs et a lancé un appel à l'aide pour faciliter l'accès aux énergies renouvelables aux populations vulnérables. "Nous devons unir nos efforts pour que chaque ménage puisse bénéficier de sources d'énergie propre. Cela est essentiel pour notre santé, notre environnement et notre développement durable," a-t-il déclaré.
Les perspectives du projet Solar4Community incluent la formation continue des femmes à l'utilisation des foyers améliorés, à la fabrication du charbon écologique, à l'utilisation accrue des kits solaires, et au développement d'initiatives de biogaz. Un plaidoyer envers les autorités sera également mené pour soutenir ces recommandations et promouvoir un avenir énergétique durable pour les communautés de Kara et du Togo.
Par Esso Pedessi
ONG Jeunes Vert / Renewable Energy Coalition Togo
64 années de dépendance énergétique
Le gouvernement congolais appelé à promouvoir les énergies 100 % renouvelables pour mettre fin à la pauvreté énergétique.
En marge de la célébration du soixante quatrième anniversaire d'indépendance de la RDC, le Mouvement des Jeunes pour la Protection de l’Environnement (MJPE-RDC) a organisé un débat titré en anglais “The DRC’s Independence Talk”, un moment d’échange et partage autour de la promotion des énergies renouvelables comme solution à la pauvreté énergétique et à la création d’emplois verts pour les jeunes en RDC. Réunissant plus de 50 participants dont les activistes, groupe de chercheurs, entrepreneurs, étudiants et quelques leaders des OSC, ce moment fort a permis aux jeunes de réfléchir sur leur situation sociale et sur leur capacité à contribuer au développement du pays grâce aux opportunités que présentent les investissements dans la promotion des énergies renouvelables.
Forte de sa diversité en ressources naturelles, la RDC regorge des potentialités en énergies renouvelables énormes et se place en position de force sur la scène mondiale, grâce à sa capacité à développer plusieurs sources d'énergies renouvelables, entre autre l’hydroélectricité, l’éolien, le solaire, la géothermale, et l’hydrogène. Ces ressources énergétiques de la RDC offrent plusieurs opportunités pour un développement durable et contribuent à la résolution de double crise, énergétique et climatique.
64 ans après son accession à son indépendance, la RDC accuse un énorme retard dans la satisfaction de ses besoins énergétiques, et ne met en œuvre aucun projet concret pour booster les investissements dans les énergies renouvelables accessibles aux communautés et moins chères. Conscient de la responsabilité de révolutionner les choses, les jeunes ont partagé leurs réflexions et leur volonté à s’engager dans les actions de plaidoyers pour accroître l'intérêt autour du développement des potentialités en énergies renouvelables en RDC, et des opportunités à capitaliser pour favoriser leur autonomisation par la création d’emplois verts.
À l’issue de ce “DRC’s Independence Talk” réussi en RDC, les jeunes ont formulé le vœu de voir cette initiative se pérenniser afin de permettre aux jeunes congolais de prendre conscience des opportunités que présentent les énergies renouvelables et surtout de savoir comment capitaliser ces opportunités pour l'amélioration de leurs conditions sociales et économiques.
Dans le cadre de plaidoyer pour la promotion des énergies renouvelables, le MJPE-RDC va poursuivre ses actions en mettant sur pied un programme intensif de formations pratiques des jeunes congolais sur les énergies renouvelables afin de leur permettre de contribuer réellement à la révolution énergétique en RDC.
Par Johnnyta ROY Kambembo,
Mouvement des Jeunes pour la Protection de l’Environnement (MJPE-RDC)
Empowering journalists to report on climate solutions
On 16 June, the Renewable Energy Coalition, which represents a diverse group of Civil Society Organisations, community-based groups, and grassroots movements, trained twelve selected journalists from five media outlets, including radios and newspapers, in Parakou.
In a world increasingly grappling with the realities of climate change, the role of journalism is more crucial than ever. Recognizing the need for accurate and compelling reporting on climate solutions and renewable energy, the training aimed at equipping journalists with the tools and knowledge necessary to cover the feasibility of climate solutions to their audiences.
The training was conducted by two specialized journalists and focused on the following topics:
- Enhance understanding of climate science - journalists were given a comprehensive overview of climate science, helping them understand the fundamental principles and current state of research
- Explore renewable energy technologies - detailed sessions were conducted on various renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydropower, and bioenergy, highlighting their potential and challenges
- Improve storytelling techniques—Journalists learned the basics of advanced storytelling techniques to make their reports more engaging and accessible to the general public.
The training blended theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. Renowned environmental journalists were invited to share their insights. One of the most impactful sessions was a workshop on data journalism, where participants learned how to interpret and visualize climate data effectively. This session underscored the importance of presenting data in a way that is both informative and easy to understand for readers.
The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many journalists expressed that the training had significantly broadened their understanding and given them new tools to approach their reporting.
By empowering journalists with the knowledge and skills to report accurately and compellingly on climate solutions and renewable energy, we can help ensure that the public remains informed and engaged in the fight against climate change. This training marks a significant step towards more effective climate communication, and its ripple effects will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
By Christian Hounkannou
350Africa.org
No more coal! No more oil! Keep the fossils in the soil’ AfDb March, in Nairobi - Africa Day
Africa Day is an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success, and to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the African continent.On this day, May 25th 2024 dozens of climate activists took to the streets of Nairobi, Kenya to protest for climate liberation.The protesters called for the African Development Bank (AfDB) to stop financing fossil extraction across Africa. The march started at Nyayo Stadium and proceeded to Uhuru Gardens, Freedom Corner.
The organizers of the action was one of our partners Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Franciscan Africa (JPIC-FA) whose work is supported with the mission to promote joint actions on issues that are important to the Franciscans in Africa.
The African Development Bank (AfDB), established in 1964, is a key regional institution committed to fostering sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty in Africa. It provides vital financial resources, including loans, grants, and technical assistance, to support diverse development projects spanning infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation, water, sanitation, and social services. Moreover, the AfDB promotes policy dialogue and coordination among African countries and development partners through research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts, aiming to strengthen the capacity of African governments to address key development challenges effectively.
The protesters took to the streets to demand accountability, transparency, inclusivity and justice in the development projects and investments of the AfDB following the Bank Group's 2024 annual meetings to be held from May 27th - 31st in Nairobi Kenya.
At the end of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), the European Union and world leaders recommitted to delivering the Paris Agreement goals and limiting the global average temperature increase to 1.5 Celsius. They agreed to accelerate emission reductions towards net zero by 2050, with urgent action in this critical decade. This includes transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing global emissions by 43% by 2030.
Positive economic growth and increasing energy demand are forecasted for the continent between 2030 and 2050.Africa can leapfrog the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources to sustainably address these forecasts.
Heavy rains and devastating flooding, prolonged drought, famine and heat waves are some of the effects being felt in Africa more frequently as a consequence of climate change. All this can be blamed on emissions from burning coal and fossil fuels. The AfDB funding such projects is causing destruction of the environment along with its people.
It is upon us to save our country, our continent and our planet from fossil fuel extraction. Don’t be left behind, join the struggle, let’s have climate liberation.
#We want climate justice now! #Fix the finance! #Fund our future! #End fossil fuels! #People over profit!
By Lynn Kamande
Africa Regional Organiser for 350 Africa